BABY J IS ALMOST HERE!!!

I cut my hair. Chopped it actually. And I regret going so short. I wish it was a few inches longer. I ended up cutting off 6 inches!

My doctor thinks Baby J is going to be big, so she ordered an ultrasound just to be sure. So we were lucky and got to have another ultrasound this past week!I am measuring 8 days ahead, so they changed the due date to May 3rd instead of May 11th. So that means I am actually 39 weeks along on Tuesday! And a week from Tuesday is the due date. So crazy! Baby J weighs about 7 pounds 7 ounces as of right now. So I hope he doesn't bake much longer!

This was actually my 7th ultrasound throughout my pregnancy. And without a doubt, each time I see Baby J on that screen, I fall more and more in love with him. It is crazy how I can have a connection and love someone so much even though I have never met him! I carry him around all day, but it isn't the same. I can't wait until he is here, I can hold him in my arms, and see his beautiful face staring back at me. The "motherhood" feeling has totally settled in and I am welcoming it with open arms.

I feel like I am definitely ready physically and emotionally for this baby. As other mothers out there know, the long haul of pregnancy prepares you for the emotions you will feel when your baby comes. My body is SO ready to not be pregnant anymore. My pelvis area feels like a huge bruise, and my feet and ankles swell so bad these days, that I can't even flex or bend my feet. The pins and needles sensation is a constant visitor and I dislike it very much.

But I feel like I am FAR from being prepared in the home. The nursery is a pig sty. We have no where to put a lot of the presents we have received, so they are scattered throughout the nursery. The crib is filled with diapers, presents, and paperwork that we need to be put somewhere. I ordered the last few things that we truly need from Target and Babies R Us (with our 10% off coupon on everything else on our registry) but they won't get here for 4 weeks! So there is no way that it will be all "done" and "complete" before Baby arrives. I have to deal with that. I still need to run errands, freeze a few more meals, hang up pictures and art, wash baby clothes, make the mobile for the crib, fix the dresser (it came with a broken piece so we are waiting for the replacement part from the manufacturer), finish packing the hospital bag, and so much more. This is just the beginning. But instead of boring you with my laundry list of things to do, I will share with you Baby J's baby pictures! (For those of you who don't know, we have decided to name him Jack Brian. And some reason I call him Baby J. We will see if that sticks when he arrives).

Our African American little boy! Ha. His nose is smashed so it is flat and wide and his lips look huge! but his cheeks are so squished that his lips are puckered!

Adorable Baby J. I stare at these pictures every day!

His precious lips and little nose!

His eye sockets and nose.

His profile. You can see his puckered lips! He stuck his tongue out during the ultrasound as well!

Another profile shot.

The tec said he has a lot of hair on the back of his head. I don't really understand this picture, but apparently it is his hair.

I feel like I have been pregnant for so long I almost don't remember what it was like to NOT be pregnant. But here is a list of things I look forward to:

1. Being able to have a tan. I am glowing these days. And not because I'm pregnant, but because I am so white!

2. Wearing my wedding ring again.

3. Wearing shoes. Any type. But they actually will fit on my feet. I have worn flip flops for the past month because nothing else fits. And even the flip flops are too tight now.

4. I am excited to have ankles again. It has been a long time since I have seen my ankle bones.

5. Not having to pee 100 times a day, or pretty much every time I stand up.

6. Being able to walk at a normal pace and not having to waddle.

7. I am excited to have my face shape back.

8. I look forward to not having a ton of doctor appointments every week. I had to buy myself a planner because I couldn't keep track of all the appointments I have. You would think I was 80 years old! I go to my OB, cardiologist, physical therapist, chiropractor, and more. It is tiring just trying to keep track.

9. I look forward to being blond again. My hair has become so dark during pregnancy!

10. I look forward to eating soft cheeses and raw sushi again!

11. I am excited to go out in public without someone telling me I am huge, I'm about to pop, I need to take it easy, or that I am carrying too high for it to be a boy.
12. I am excited to have Brandon available at nights where he won't be working or doing homework every night. I am also excited to see him with our baby and see the bond between the boys.

13. Last but not least.. I am excited to be a mom. I know this is what I am here on this earth to do.

girl, you look fabulous! Everything will come together and soon you'll have that cute baby boy in your arms and you'll forget about all the little things that dno't really matter :) Good luck! Hope he comes soooooon. I'll be in UT in Aug, we should meet up so I can see you and baby boy!

Crunch time!!! SOOOOOO excited for you! You better text me as soon as you get to the hospital...or post it on FB or something. I totally forgot about that sore, bruised crotch feeling. Ugh thats the worst. You are seriously down to a matter of DAYS!!! YAY!!!